NYC for Introverts: 15 Serene Activities for Solace-Seeking New Yorkers
New York City is often associated with its bustling streets and vibrant energy, but even in the midst of the urban chaos, introverts can find solace and engage in activities that cater to their quieter side. If you’re a New Yorker in search of solitude or seeking a peaceful escape from the fast-paced environment, this article presents 15 serene activities tailored for introverts in the city that never sleeps.
- Discover Local Bookstores:
Explore the city’s independent bookstores, such as Strand Book Store in East Village, Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in SoHo, or McNally Jackson in Nolita. Lose yourself in the sea of books, find a cozy corner, and immerse yourself in a captivating story or a thought-provoking read. - Seek Sanctuary in Botanical Gardens:
Escape the city’s chaos by visiting tranquil oases like the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Wander through serene gardens, enjoy the beauty of nature, and find a peaceful spot to relax and recharge amidst the lush greenery. - Take a Meditative Walk in The Cloisters:
Explore the quietude of The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to medieval art and architecture. Meander through the peaceful gardens, cloistered courtyards, and admire the exquisite artwork in solitude. - Enjoy a Coffee and Write in a Quiet Café:
Discover hidden gem cafes tucked away in various neighborhoods, such as Bluestone Lane Collective Cafe in West Village or Devoción in Williamsburg. Savor a cup of coffee, find a cozy nook, and let your creative juices flow as you journal, write, or work on personal projects. - Find Solitude in a Hidden Park:
Escape the crowded parks by seeking out lesser-known gems like Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan or Greenacre Park in Midtown East. Marvel at tranquil landscapes, sit on a bench, and enjoy some alone time surrounded by nature. - Visit Serene Art Galleries:
Explore quieter art galleries, such as The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City or Neue Galerie in the Upper East Side. Admire the artwork in a serene atmosphere, uninterrupted by crowds, and embrace the opportunity for introspection. - Take a Yoga or Meditation Class:
Join a yoga or meditation class in one of New York City’s many wellness studios, such as Sky Ting Yoga or MNDFL. Engage in mindful practices that promote relaxation, self-reflection, and inner peace. - Attend a Symphony or Chamber Music Performance:
Experience the soothing power of classical music by attending a symphony or chamber music concert. Enjoy the serene melodies and immerse yourself in the ethereal atmosphere of renowned venues like Carnegie Hall or the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. - Explore Nooks of Artistic Expression:
Visit creative spaces like the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side or the Rubin Museum of Art in Chelsea. Delve into fascinating stories, discover unique exhibitions, and find inspiration within the walls of these cultural havens. - Take a Quiet Ferry Ride:
Escape the city’s noise by taking a serene ferry ride to Staten Island. Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, and find solace as the gentle waves carry you away from the bustling cityscape. - Embrace Mindfulness in a Zen Garden:
Visit the serene spaces of the Buddhist Temple of Zen Studies at the Institute of the Chung-Hwa Buddhist Culture in Queens. Experience peace and tranquility within the temple’s traditional architecture and Zen gardens. - Pamper Yourself with a Spa Day:
Indulge in self-care at one of the city’s many wellness retreats and indulge in a spa day. From luxurious spas in hotels to specialized wellness centers, relish in treatments that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. - Take a Silent Walk Along the Hudson River:
Find tranquility along the Hudson River Greenway, starting in Battery Park City and winding up to Riverside Park. Enjoy scenic waterfront views, take in the fresh air, and appreciate the moments of solitude along this peaceful path. - Discover a Hidden Museum Gem:
Uncover lesser-known museums that offer a quieter experience, such as The Morgan Library & Museum in Murray Hill or the Frick Collection on the Upper East Side. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of these cultural havens, surrounded by masterpieces and historical treasures. - Attend a Poetry Reading or Literary Event:
Immerse yourself in the literary world by attending poetry readings or literary events held at venues like The Bowery Poetry Club or the KGB Bar. Listen to talented wordsmiths, connect with like-minded individuals, and indulge in the beauty of spoken words.
New York City may be synonymous with its vibrant and bustling atmosphere, but even within its fast-paced environment, introverts can find solace and engage in activities that align with their quieter nature. From exploring peaceful gardens to seeking out hidden museum gems, the city offers numerous opportunities for introverts to enjoy serenity, recharge, and embrace their inner peace. So take a moment to indulge in these serene activities and find your own personal haven within the lively expanse of the concrete jungle.
How to Still Slay the Day, Despite Shyness
Many people struggle with shyness, but once you learn it isn’t a weakness you may come to cherish your shyness. Shyness is just another personality trait. However, as with any trait, there are drawbacks as well as perks to it.
Defeating Your Shyness
Tips and Tricks from a Former Shy Girl
Don’t let the #GirlBoss girlies you see all the time on your stories intimidate you. Chances are, they were once shy gals like you! I was always the kind of kid who never raised her hand to ask a question in class and would mumble my words during presentations in front of the whole class. To be honest, I still struggle with that to this day but there are ways to dealing with shyness.
Fear of “You can’t sit with us” and the empty table
If you’re an introvert, you are probably a table ranker. When you walk into a room, you immediately rank the tables in the order that you prefer to be seated. The system is simple enough with one being your preferred seating and five being the please don’t seat me there section. Let’s take a look at a sample table ranking system for introverts.
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TIP: Small Talk: Can you be great at it?
Silence… Perfectly fine if you are all alone. However, in social situations, it is just kind of expected that you’ll talk to others. If the thought of being a “Chatty Kathy” or “Chatty Kenneth” 
makes you want to steer clear of others in social settings, here are some thoughts on how you can come to appreciate and be great at small talk. Continue reading
Extroverts and introverts in college
Each person has a different kind of personality. The two main personality types are the extrovert and the introvert. Both has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For people in their college years, the type of personality they have plays a big role in the success in living through the said period. There is an estimate of 50.7% extroverts and 49.3% introverts living in the United States. How can the extrovert and introvert traits affect their daily living as college students? Continue reading
Differences: introvert, shy, social anxiety, empath, HSP
Most of us have had times in our lives where we’ve felt shy or uncomfortable meeting other people, especially if it is in a large crowd. But, sometimes, the problem is more than being shy and sometimes it is not shyness, and sometimes it is not a problem – per se. Either way, you should understand that there are lots of other people who understand how you feel. Continue reading
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The terms social anxiety, shy, and introvert are often used interchangeably. This is my way of differentiating them.
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- Social Anxiety = A stronger form of shyness. A debilitating, crippling fear of social situations that creates avoidance. It is a disorder that a licensed mental health professional is trained to treat.
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- Shyness = a fear of social situations that is not strong enough to interfere with day to day activities such as work, school, family life, etc; however can cause a person to feel uncomfortable in social settings. Can be an obstacle in some areas.
- Introvert = a person who prefers quiet and alone time. Social settings can be enjoyable when an introvert has had time to recharge via alone time; however, social settings drain energy. Introverts are just as awesome as extroverts and ambiverts. (Susan Cain’s New York Times bestseller, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking,” is a popular source of information about introverts.)
All of the above look different on everyone. Also, a person can be an extrovert, ambivert, or introvert, yet experience shyness or social anxiety.
What do you think? How do you define these terms?
I want to help you peel away shyness. Social anxiety is more of a job for a therapist, HOWEVER someone with social anxiety can get great value from coaching and the courses offered here. Introverts are fine the way they are; however introverts may not realize their power and potential and know how to leverage. All are welcome here!
My goal is to get you to exude your core personality without feeling uncomfortable while leveraging all the deliciousness of your sweet spot to achieve goals and make your daydreams come to fruition!
If you are a driven entrepreneur, intrepreneur, professional, or student and your shyness is getting in the way of success, check out the services and products available here and stay tuned for more meaningful content! Sign up for the newsletter, as well.
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Oh! Please, don’t forget to read the disclaimer page. I’m not a doctor or therapist and this is certainly not a substitute for therapy or any advice from your doctor. No such thing as a Magic Pill!